Growing up the only time I thought about socks was at Christmas. I knew that Grandma would have a gift bag for me with socks, underwear, gum and some other random tidbits. I would of course get to open my tube socks and pink flowered undies in front of my older boy cousins…seriously no embarrassment there at all. Then again they had to open tighty whites, so all is fair.
RUNNING SOCKS
When I started running, I still didn’t think much about socks other than switch from tube socks to the low cut socks. Clearly not seeing my socks above my shoes made me look more like a runner, so I might not be fast but I looked like I knew what I was doing.
Then the marathon came…blisters came and tada socks for $25 started to appear in my wardrobe and have since become of my favorite running accessories.
As you can see I have a drawer now that is shared by my sports bras and wonderful socks…I’ve tested out almost every brand: DryMax, Under Armour, Nike, Balgega, Feetures and Sof Sole. I really can’t stress enough how WORTH it is to get a pair of great moisture wicking socks that fit your foot.
FEETURES!
Feetrues! were new to me this year. They have a huge variety of socks, so if you like cushy or tight you are set. I really like the green elite pair pictured because they fit very tight to the foot and almost feel like compression socks. Because of the snug fit they really help to prevent blisters.
The cushy blue multisport pair have been really nice for those easy run days. They have kept my feet dry while adding just a little cushion. Did I mention they use bamboo in their socks?? Yup, another great company using natural resources which makes me happy…and odor free!
I am also kind of a freak about seems on my toes (my mom will attest to this), so the fact that Feetures! uses a seam free technology meant I didn’t have to keep messing with my socks to get them just right.
NIKE
The Nike Run Club that I participate in gives out socks after you attend 5 times. I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical because I really only like my Nike capris', beyond that I just haven’t ever loved their stuff. However, these stability socks really do provide some nice secure footing…that being said I still won’t be running out to buy them.
SOF SOLE
Do you remember having a pair of fluffy slippers? When I put on my Sof Sole socks that is what I think of initially. But then you notice the venting along the top and realize these socks are ready to go the distance and keep your feet dry in the summer sweaty months. Dry feet are very important to prevent blisters, rubbing and well if you’ve ever had wet sweaty feet for 20 miles, you know why dry feet are so important.
These Sof Sole socks are not as snug as the Feetures!, but they do have arch support so if you prefer a less snug fit that is super soft these are rockstars.
Socks tend to somehow go missing over time…but running socks, no no. They are mated for life and I have yet to lose an individual sock…maybe it’s because they cost more, but I think it’s mostly because I love them.
There you have my ode to socks… have you overcome the price to start buying this great running accessory? What else do you do to keep your running feet happy?
**Some socks provided for free, but all feet and opinions are my own.
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Gratitude Journal
March 15
I am grateful for moisture wicking
I am grateful for no seams
I am grateful for happy feet
I am grateful for no blisters
I am grateful for sleepy kitties
28 good vibes:
Nice review!! I really like my Balega socks that I got from my LRS but as cheesy as it sounds, the socks that I've had the best luck with so far are my C9 duo dry socks from Target!
I bit the bullet and bought some during my first marathon training cycle. It's crazy what a big difference socks make.
My new favorite socks are Darn Tough. They have a lifetime warranty and are so comfortable. I do my laundry around these socks!
I recently bought some Balgega because my feet were blistering something crazy back in January. With half a bottle of BodyGlide and my Balgega, my feet made it out alive without any bliters after the marathon last weekend. I hate to pay big bucks for socks but they are just as important as any other part of gear we wearing while running.
I definitely invested in dri-fit socks. I've actually been contemplating stealing another drawer in our dresser to accomodate my massive supply of socks and running underthings.
I highly recommend checking out Injinji and ToeSox as well. I'm pretty sure that for longer runs and races that I won't wear anything else now.
I'm also pretty crazy about socks :). I really like Smartwool for winter running- they keep my feet warm without overheating.
lol, I have a whole drawer dedicated to workout socks. In fact, I have a whole dresser for workout clothes.
My feet tend to be ok unless it's hot, then I do dryfit. But for non-running I just wear Hanes.
I run with Costco Adidas (6-pk!) on most days and Asics on race days. My feet get unhappy with some of those fancier ones because they are often too thick.
I
need
new
socks.
in the worst way.
Those green Feetures socks sound perfect. I'll have to try them out. I'm incredibly picky about how my socks feel and the whole seam issue, too.
I splurge on Balega socks...love them and you can't see them over my shoes!
I somehow sneak a sock purchase in almost every time I buy something else running related. Picking up some gels? May as well get a new pair of socks. New running shoes? That definitely requires at least one pair of new socks.
I never thought I'd spend that kind of money on socks, but really, supporting your feet and your breasts are probably the most important things in running!
I will spend the money for some good running socks! I love my many pairs of Balega's!
I kinda went nuts over the Adidas ClimaCool socks because I could get them so cheap at TJ Maxx. Seriously, a 2-pack was going for $12 at the big name sports stores and I was getting them for TJ's for $4.99. Because of the retail nuttiness and the fact that they were perfect for me, I had to dedicate a sock drawer just for my running socks! Actually, I had to buy a whole new storage dresser for all my workout clothes. Obsessed, I say, obsessed!
I just got excited when my favourite socks (SmartWool) went on sale for $17.99! Then I laughed at myself for thinking that this was a cheap price for socks! Money well spent.
I resisted paying so much for socks--until I started running regularly. Now I am very particular about my socks for running; think I might have to try some of those Feetures! because they sound like ones I'd really like!
I'm kind of really lucky...1 because my bro-in-law is sponsored by Patagonia (ultra runner) and he hooks me up with their running socks every now & then. & 2 because my husband ALWAYS rubs my feet, whether they hurt or not. My feet are pretty well taken care of.
Kiley
[http://dailyvitaminf.blogspot.com/2011/03/running-documentary-ticket-giveaway.html]
Wonderful running socks! It took me a while to realize how important it was to have good socks... now my feet are happy! I am not loyal to one brand but some of my faves are SofSole, Drymax and Adidas!
I often wear Sof Sole socks. I worn them in my last race (think water crossings) and they did a great job. No blisters. I do like the look of the Feetures. I think those tight green ones need to visit my feet.
Spike loves the feetures too, but I've never tried them. I stick to my tried and true Balgega and/or my thicker SmartWool socks in the winter. And to keep the feet extra happy I always lube them up with body glide to avoid blisters.
I good running sock knows no price! For years I wore the wrong sock for me and thought blisters were a fact of life--no more!
I'm all about Balega + Body Glide as well.
When it comes to foot care, I'm okay with paying full price! Body Glide onthe toes pre-long-run, Nike running socks, neutral shoes (vomero's currently) and The Recovery Sock post run.
Great review Amanda!!
Yes! I started spending $$ on socks last year and my running store recommended Feetures. I love them and haven’t wanted to spend $ on any other brand that i wasn’t sure about. Great review!
I usually buy the RRS brand socks. They come in a 3-pack and are just as good as the name brand, and cost a little bit less. Of course, I do always get holes in the toe, but I think that's because I'm not very good about cutting my nails!
Those Feetures socks have me intrigued! I am going hunting for those now :)
Definitely need new socks here - fighting blisters in a big way!
Have you ever tried Wrightsocks? They are double-layered and work like a charm! I've used them for all my marathons and rarely have blisters. Also, I'd recommend lubing your feet up with Two Tom's Sport Shield! Fabulous stuff!
A co-worker who just started running came up to me the other day and said, "So, do you ever get blisters when you run?" and I said, "only when I wear crappy socks"
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